Panther freshmen, JV defeat Rams

Creston/O-M freshmen defeated Glenwood Friday night, 27-8, and the junior varsity prevailed 13-7 against the Rams at home Monday night.

The Panthers controlled the ball during Friday’s freshman game, rushing for 303 yards. Josh Reed led the way with 130 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries. Kyle Wynn and Reed each completed one pass. Brandon Lee kicked an extra point and Reed ran a two-point conversion.

Reed also had 11 total tackles, with three for losses. Seth Maitlen had 14 total tackles and a safety. Chris Foster had a fumble recovery and two interceptions for 63 yards in returns.

“This was just a fun game to watch and coach,” said freshman coach Jon Thomson. “We had to make some major adjustments during the game and the kids responded really well.”

Two starters went down with injuries early in the game — Kole Lovely with a shoulder injury and Reed stepped in at running back; and when Kyle Wynn was forced out of the game after a hard hit, Wyatt Thompson moved to running back, as Reed switched to quarterback.

The Panthers (4-2) went to a lot of single-back formations and Zack Smith stepped up at tight end, Thomson said.

“This was all set up by our great defense on the night,” Thomson said. “Chris Foster really got in the action when Glenwood was put in a situation where they had to throw the ball, and when they did, Chris was there to snatch it away with two interceptions. Nick Perry broke up some key throws in the game.”

JV win

Alex Nielsen threw touchdown passes of 35 yards to McClain Haines and 50 yards to Bryce Briley in the 13-7 win Monday. Glenwood’s scoring drive in the second quarter had tied the game 7-7 at intermission.

Several freshmen contributed to the victory.

“Tonight was a great win for our entire program,” coach Kevin Cooper said. “We were short-handed due to injuries and had a lot of kids step up and perform well. Glenwood was undefeated coming into tonight’s game, so it was great to beat them.”

Cooper said the Panther defense, led by 13 tackles each by Seth Maitlen and Tayler Pettit, and two interceptions by Haines, spelled the difference. One of Haines’ interceptions was returned 75 yards near the end of the first half, but the Rams denied the Panthers from entering the end zone before time expired.

“When we were put in bad spots we were able to stop Glenwood when we needed to,” Cooper said.

Creston, 4-2, closes the JV season next Monday at home against Winterset at 6 p.m.